When it comes to vibrant destinations filled with casinos, entertainment, and nightlife, few places compare to Atlantic City, New Jersey and Las Vegas, Nevada. While both cities offer exciting experiences for travelers, they cater to slightly different preferences and audiences. We've traveled to both cities and put together our insights and recommendations to help you decide which destination best suits your style. Let's dive into the ultimate comparison: Atlantic City vs. Las Vegas. Overview of Each City Historical Background and Development Attractions and Experiences Gambling and Casinos Unique Entertainment Options Nightlife and Dining Resorts in Atlantic City and Las Vegas Cost and Affordability Choosing the Right Destination for You FAQ Overview of Each City Atlantic City Nestled on the eastern seaboard of the United States, Atlantic City is often dubbed the “Las Vegas of the East.” Known for its famous boardwalk, coastal views, and historic casinos, it's a popular destination for East Coast residents seeking a quick getaway. Atlantic City is more compact than its western counterpart, making it ideal for weekend trips. Las Vegas Located in the heart of the Nevada desert, Las Vegas is a sprawling metropolis renowned for its larger-than-life attractions, world-class entertainment, and iconic Strip. The city is a global destination, attracting millions of visitors annually from around the world. With endless things to do, Vegas truly lives up to its nickname: “The Entertainment Capital of the World.” For a more detailed look at what to do in Sin City, check out our Las Vegas travel guide! Historical Background and Development Atlantic City's Evolution Atlantic City's story begins in the 19th century as a seaside resort destination. Its iconic boardwalk, built in 1870, became a symbol of leisure and entertainment and is known as the world's first boardwalk. Casinos arrived in the late 1970s, transforming the city into a gambling hub. Since then, Atlantic City has worked to revitalize itself with new attractions and renovated casinos. Las Vegas' Rise Las Vegas started as a railroad town in the early 20th century but quickly evolved into a gambling hotspot with Nevada's legalization of gambling in 1931. The post-World War II era saw the rise of lavish resorts, and the city cemented its reputation with the construction of the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Today, Las Vegas continues to expand, offering experiences that go beyond gambling, from fine dining to adventure sports. Top Attractions and Experiences Atlantic City: Top 3 Iconic Attractions Atlantic City Boardwalk: Strolling along the world's first boardwalk is a must. With its shops, restaurants, and ocean views, it's a quintessential Atlantic City experience. Steel Pier: A family-friendly amusement park offering rides, games, and food. Absecon Lighthouse: The tallest lighthouse in New Jersey provides stunning views of the city. Las Vegas: Top 3 Iconic Attractions Las Vegas Strip: A dazzling stretch of resorts, casinos, and attractions that especially come alive at night. Fremont Street Experience: A vibrant experience in downtown featuring an LED canopy, street performers, live music, and zip lines. Bellagio Fountains: These synchronized water shows are a mesmerizing highlight of any Vegas trip. Gambling and Casinos Atlantic City: Top 5 Casinos Atlantic City's casinos are concentrated along the boardwalk and Marina District. Overall, the atmosphere is more laid-back compared to Vegas. Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa – Known for its upscale ambiance, high-limit poker rooms, and one of the best nightlife scenes in Atlantic City. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Offers extensive dining options, a 24-hour casino floor, and a rock-and-roll atmosphere complete with live music. Caesars Atlantic City Hotel & Casino – A classic choice with a Roman-inspired design, premium gaming, and live entertainment and luxury shopping at The Playground Pier. Tropicana Casino & Resort – Features a vibrant nightlife scene, an indoor entertainment complex, and an impressive selection of table games. Ocean Casino Resort – Known for its modern aesthetic, expansive gaming floor, and breathtaking ocean views. Las Vegas: Top 5 Casinos With over 100 casinos, Las Vegas' casinos offer unparalleled diversity. Each has its own unique theme and vibe. The scale of Vegas' casinos is unmatched. The Venetian Resort – Offers a unique Venice, Italy-inspired experience, complete with indoor canals and gondola rides. MGM Grand Hotel & Casino – One of the largest casinos in Las Vegas, featuring a vast gaming floor and top-tier entertainment and nightlife options. Wynn Las Vegas – A high-end resort with an elegant casino, luxury shopping, and world-class dining. Bellagio Resort & Casino – Famous for its luxurious atmosphere, poker rooms, and the iconic Bellagio Fountains. Caesars Palace – A Roman-inspired casino featuring high-end gaming, celebrity chef restaurants, and The Colosseum performance venue that hosts some of the world's top performers. Unique Entertainment Options Atlantic City Atlantic City is home to a variety of entertainment options beyond its casinos, and is especially known for beachside concerts, comedy clubs, and seasonal events like air shows. Some notable events and long-running entertainment offerings include: Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall – The historic venue hosts major concerts and sporting events. Past performances include The Rolling Stones, Madonna, and Bruce Springsteen. Atlantic City Comedy Club – A hotspot for stand-up comedy, featuring both rising stars and well-known comedians. Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena – This performance venue regularly features major musical acts and entertainers. Past performances include Maroon 5 and Pitbull. Atlantic City Aquarium – Located on the historic Gardner's Basin, the Atlantic City Aquarium showcases local marine life, with hands-on exhibits and an opportunity to learn about the region's aquatic ecosystems. Atlantic City Airshow – One of the largest airshows in the country, featuring military and civilian flight performances over the beachfront. Las Vegas Las Vegas is the ultimate entertainment playground, famous for its world-class entertainment, including long-running residencies and major annual events: Cirque du Soleil Shows – A one-of-a-kind experience with a mesmerizing blend of acrobatics, theatrical performances, and stunning visuals. Some of the most renowned productions include O and Mystère. Las Vegas Residencies – Major artists have held extended residencies throughout history. Some highlights this year include Mötley Crüe, Janet Jackson, and Bruno Mars. Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) – One of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world, attracting top DJs and massive crowds annually. National Finals Rodeo – A must-see event for rodeo fans, held each December in Las Vegas. The Sphere – A revolutionary venue hosting immersive concerts and events, including a multi-sensory film from Darren Aronofsky. Nightlife and Dining Nightlife Scene: Clubs and Bars Atlantic City Atlantic City's nightlife is vibrant yet more relaxed than Las Vegas. The Pool After Dark at Harrah's Resort is a standout, combining a nightclub with a pool party vibe. Las Vegas Vegas nightlife is legendary. From upscale clubs like XS at Encore to quirky bars downtown, there's a venue for every mood. Dining Experiences: Restaurants and Culinary Delights Atlantic City Seafood lovers will thrive here, with fresh catches available at numerous restaurants, like Dock's Oyster House. Our favorite were the crab cakes – a must order! Las Vegas Las Vegas is a foodie paradise. Whether it's fine dining at SW Steakhouse or a buffet at The Buffet at Bellagio, you'll find every cuisine imaginable. Resorts in Atlantic City and Las Vegas Atlantic City Resort Club Wyndham Skyline Tower 100 S. North Carolina Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401(609) 449-4200Highlights: Spacious suites, excellent location near the boardwalk, and amenities like an indoor pool and game room. Plus laundry facilities on-site mean you can pack light! BOOK NOW Las Vegas Resorts Club Wyndham Grand Desert 265 E. Harmon Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89169(702) 691-2600Highlights: Unbeatable views of the Vegas skyline and desert mountains, amenities including an oasis-themed pool courtyard, and a convenient location just one mile from the Strip, keeping you near the action with a shuttle service. BOOK NOW Club Wyndham Desert Blue 3200 W. Twain Ave., Las Vegas, Nevada 89103(702) 238-1200Highlights: Well-appointed suites that include partial kitchens, close proximity to top attractions and modern amenities including two outdoor swimming pools, two hot tubs, and a poolside bar. BOOK NOW Westgate Flamingo Bay Resort 5625 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89103(800) 428-1932Highlights: Spacious accommodations that sleep up to eight guests, top-notch amenities like a heated pool and basketball courts, and a quiet setting with quick access to the Strip, ideal for relaxation. BOOK NOW Cost and Affordability Budget-Friendly Options Atlantic City is generally more affordable than Las Vegas, especially for East Coast travelers. Many attractions, like the boardwalk, are free or low-cost. Vegas offers budget-friendly options too, but flights and activities can add up. You can save up to 20% on your resort stay when you book through Extra Holidays as an Insider Extra member – and it's free to sign up! Luxury Experiences and Price Comparison Both cities offer luxury, but Las Vegas takes it to another level with high-end resorts, restaurants, and experiences. That said, Atlantic City's smaller scale makes it easier to enjoy upscale experiences without breaking the bank. Choosing the Right Destination for You Factors to Consider: What Are You Looking For? For beach vibes and a relaxed atmosphere: Choose Atlantic City. For endless entertainment and larger-than-life experiences: Las Vegas is your pick. Final Thoughts on Atlantic City vs Las Vegas Both cities offer unforgettable experiences, but your choice depends on your preferences and location. As someone who loves the energy of Vegas but also appreciates the charm of Atlantic City's boardwalk, I'd say both destinations are worth exploring at least once. FAQ Is Atlantic City better than Las Vegas? It depends on your preferences. Atlantic City is more laid-back and budget-friendly, while Las Vegas offers a wider variety of attractions and entertainment. Is Atlantic City just a smaller Las Vegas? Yes, in some ways. Atlantic City is smaller and less extravagant than Las Vegas but still offers plenty of casinos, nightlife, and attractions. What is so special about Atlantic City? Atlantic City is known for its historic boardwalk, oceanfront views, and charming mix of entertainment and relaxation. Is Atlantic City popular for casinos? Yes, Atlantic City remains a popular destination for gambling, with several top-tier casinos and a revitalized tourism industry.
